look news india
New Delhi/Health Desk: In today’s changing times, due to career, settling life and other family responsibilities, taking the decision of late marriage and pregnancy after the age of 30 has become a common trend. However, according to medical science, it is considered best for women to conceive before 30 years of age. In such a situation, when a woman decides to plan a baby after the age of 35, many questions and fears start arising in her mind. Is it safe to become a mother after 35? Will it have any effect on the child’s health? According to health experts, pregnancy at this age is called ‘Advanced Maternal Age’. There are definitely some challenges in this, but with proper planning and medical advice, it is completely possible to give birth to a healthy child.
What do experts say? How safe is pregnancy after 35?
Consultant Pregnancy Specialist and Gynecologist at Kailash Deepak Hospital, Delhi Dr. Pragya Kansal According to , many women have a fear in their mind whether it is safe to become a mother after 35 years or not. Expert says:
“Yes, it can be absolutely safe. Even today, the pregnancy of many women at this age is very normal and good and they give birth to a completely healthy child. The only difference is that after 35 years, we monitor the pregnancy a little more closely and carefully. This does not mean that there will be any problem, but its purpose is to provide additional protection to both the mother and the coming child.”
What changes occur in the body with increasing age? Know what are the risk factors
According to experts, as age increases, the quality and number of eggs in a woman’s body gradually starts decreasing. For this reason, it may take a little more time to conceive after the age of 35. Apart from this, some medical risks also increase slightly when pregnant at this age:
-
Gestational Diabetes and High BP: During pregnancy, the risk of uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure increases.
-
Miscarriage and premature delivery: The risk of miscarriage or premature birth (before nine months) is slightly higher at younger ages.
-
Genetic Problems: The risk of certain genetic or chromosomal anomalies in the child, such as Down syndrome, is higher than before.
First and foremost step: Pre-pregnancy health checkup
Dr. Pragya Kansal believes that instead of conceiving suddenly at this age, one should proceed with proper planning. Whenever you think of planning a baby, consult your gynecologist and get a ‘Pre-Pregnancy Checkup’ done before you start trying.
During this checkup, the doctor examines your overall health, your past medical history, the routine medicines you are taking and your necessary vaccinations. Along with this, if you have any problem like sugar, BP or thyroid, then it is brought under control through medicines even before pregnancy so that there are no complications after pregnancy.
Start this important medicine even before trying to conceive.
According to doctors, if you are planning a baby after 35, then at least one to two months before you start trying to conceive. folic acid (Folic Acid) tablets should be started. Taking folic acid supplement reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the brain and spinal cord of the unborn child to a great extent.
Expert’s 5 golden tips for a safe and pleasant pregnancy
If you have crossed the age of 35 and are on your way to becoming a mother, then immediately incorporate these changes in your lifestyle:
-
Nutrient rich diet: Include green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, pulses and dairy products in your diet. Stay away from external junk food and extra sugar completely.
-
Be physically active: As per doctor’s advice, do light walk, pregnancy yoga or light exercise daily. This increases the chances of normal delivery and keeps the body flexible.
-
Keep weight under control: It is very important to keep your weight balanced according to your body mass index (BMI) before and during pregnancy.
-
Say goodbye to bad habits: Completely stay away from the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol or any kind of intoxicants. Even limit the intake of tea and coffee (caffeine).
-
Regular Doctor Visits: Get all ultrasounds, genetic screening tests and blood tests done on time as prescribed by the doctor and do not try any home remedy or medicine without his advice.
Ultimately, with proper and advance planning, timely proper medical checkup and a positive mindset, this beautiful journey of pregnancy can be made completely safe and memorable even at the age of 35 or beyond.